Fiber-Scanning Endomicroscope for High-Resolution Tissue Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes can only observe the surface of living bodies and require invasive procedures to examine internal biological tissues, lacking the capability for real-time, high-resolution imaging of cellular structures.
Innovation Solution
Development of endomicroscopes that emit a preset scanning pattern with adjustable phase and aspect ratio, using actuators and deformable rods to control optical fiber movement, and a control module to generate high-resolution images by adjusting signal phases and frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical fiber is driven to move in a scanning pattern using an actuator, then high-resolution imaging of internal biological tissues is achieved, but the optical fiber may break due to structural stress
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is segmented into multiple sections with different mechanical properties. A first section has high flexibility to withstand bending stresses during scanning, while a second section has high rigidity to maintain structural integrity and prevent breakage. This segmentation allows the fiber to simultaneously achieve the flexibility needed for high-resolution scanning and the rigidity needed to prevent breakage.
2Measurement precision
If the scanning pattern phase is adjusted in real-time, then image clarity and resolution are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control where the controller receives signals about the optical fiber's position and scanning pattern execution, then adjusts the phase of the scanning pattern in real-time based on this feedback. This closed-loop control enables real-time phase adjustment for improved image clarity while managing device complexity through efficient feedback processing.
3Measurement precision
If a deformable rod is added to limit optical fiber movement in one direction, then imaging precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable rod is strategically positioned and designed with specific local mechanical properties to provide directional constraints only where needed for scanning precision. The rod's deformability allows it to accommodate necessary fiber movement in certain directions while limiting movement in directions that would compromise scanning precision, thus improving precision without excessive structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time, high-resolution imaging of internal biological tissues with minimal invasiveness, preventing structural breakage and enhancing image clarity through precise phase and frequency adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber having a fixed end and a free end, and configured to irradiate a predetermined scanning pattern
Implementation Method 2
a first actuator positioned at a actuator position between the fixed end and the free end and configured to apply a first force on the actuator position of the optical fiber such that a movement of the free end of the optical fiber in a first direction is caused
Implementation Method 3
the deformable rod is arranged such that an angle between a virtual line connected from the first end of the deformable rod to the first rod position of the optical fiber and the first direction is within a predetermined angle, whereby the movement of the optical fiber in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is limited
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device may include an optical fiber having a fixed end and a free end; a first actuator positioned at a actuator position between the fixed end and the free end and configured to apply a first force on the actuator position of the optical fiber such that a movement of the free end of the optical fiber in a first direction is caused, wherein the first direction is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber; and a deformable rod disposed adjacent to the optical fiber, and having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to a first rod position of the optical fiber and the second end is connected to a second rod position of the optical fiber.